Sealing Component With Integrated Electronic Filter Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is ensuring that air filter cartridges used in air treatment systems for commercial vehicles are compatible, as standardization of threads does not guarantee matching performance, potentially impairing safety by affecting the operation of critical systems like braking.

Innovation Solution

A sealing component with an integrated electronic component that has a filter-type-specific circuit and memory, allowing the air treatment system's controller to identify and verify the filter type through electrical signals, ensuring only compatible cartridges are used, and incorporating sensors for optimal filter replacement timing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If standardized threads are used for air filter cartridges, then ease of installation and interchangeability are improved, but reliability deteriorates because incompatible filters can be installed that do not meet performance requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidfilter compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An electronic component with memory is introduced as an intermediary between the filter cartridge and the air treatment system controller. This component stores filter type information and is read by the controller to verify compatibility before allowing operation, thus preventing incompatible filters from being used while maintaining ease of installation through standardized threads

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter type identification information is pre-stored in the electronic component during filter manufacturing. Before the filter is installed and used, the controller performs a preliminary read operation to verify compatibility, ensuring that only suitable filters are activated in the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If electronic components are integrated into sealing components, then reliability is improved through filter type verification, but device complexity increases due to additional electronic components and manufacturing steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter type verificationVSAvoidsealing component structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic component is merged with the sealing component by integrating it into the sealing body's cavity. The sealing component serves dual purposes: providing the sealing function and housing the electronic component with its memory and antenna, thereby reducing overall device complexity compared to separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing component is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical sealing between the filter cartridge and housing, and housing the electronic identification component. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed in the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the sealing body completely encloses the electronic component, then protection of the electronic component is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to complex integration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of electronic componentVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing body is designed with a cavity that segments the internal space to accommodate the electronic component. This segmentation allows the electronic component to be placed and protected within the sealing body while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through one-piece molding or assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2229994B1Seal components with electronic components
Publication Date: 2011.12.21 KNORR BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHIZEUGE GMBH
  • EP2229994B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2229994B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2229994B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The sealing component (18) has a sealing body (40) which has a sealing surface (24) for covering a sealed volume. The sealing body closes an electronic component (22) in a partial manner, particularly in partial form-fit manner. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a sealing arrangement with a counter piece; (2) a manufacturing method for sealing components; and (3) an operating method for a sealing component.